The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science of Technology (DST) that is hosted at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) within its Implementation Unit.

The TLIU has been implementing the Science, Engineering and Technology Industry Internship Programme (SETIIP) over the past 3 years. The aim of the programme is to support students studying Science and Engineering related disciplines at a University of Technology (UoT) with Practical 1 (P1) and Practical 2 (P2) training. The P1 and P2 training is required by these students in order for the student to complete the respective qualifications. The students who were supported over the years were placed with the Firm Level Technology Assistance Package (FTAP) companies nationally.

The SETIIP has supported over 300 students, 161 students have graduated through the programme and 74 students have been absorbed into employment post SETIIP Implementation. The SETIIP is currently supporting 103 students for the 2016/17 Financial Year.

The programme funder, DST has realised the success of the implementation model utilised by the TLIU for the SETIIP and therefore took a decision to transfer the other internship programmes of the DST to the TLIU. The internship programmes being transferred to the TLIU were previously hosted and managed by the Technology Station (TS) under the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and Mintek. The TLIU is therefore required to host and implement this programme as a consolidated programme in partnership with the previous hosting sites. This is a clear indication of the sustainability of the SETIIP for the forthcoming years.

The DST also decided to change the name of the programme, which is now called the Experiential Training Programme (ETP).

Testimonial from the ETP Beneficiary

“I would like to express words of gratitude to TLIU programme for the financial support during my time of experiential training at Dinky Manufacturing. Coming from a University with a background of financial struggles your support has made all things required for me to complete my logbook possible. I had no struggles in the finances for research that I had to do for the logbook and also for my projects. Not only that you helped me to my studies but to my social life as well as I had to pay for things such as food, rent and transport so I can be at work at an appropriate time and be able to learn as much as possible. Your help has enabled me to complete my in service training and I am a confident engineer who is ready to change the world”. Ms Yona Mpompi: Walter Sisulu University Mechanical Engineering Graduate

Testimonial from Industry

“Imfuyo would like to thanks TLIU and CSIR for affording Imfuyo Projects the opportunity to participate in the TLIU Programme. The initiative and high level of commencement and dedication shown by the current crop of students is admirable and provides justification for the continuation of this programme in the long term. Please be assured that the high standard of fundamental practical exposure provided to the students at Imfuyo, will certainly empower students to become successful technicians in the industry. Please be assured of our continued support” Mr. Kasavan Govender: Imfuyo Projects (PTY) LTD- FTAP Beneficiary.

Technology boost levels global playing field for local component manufacturer

The machine set-up time and machining cycle time of Daliff Precision Engineering (Pty) Ltd were reduced by 20% following the successful implementation of a Firm Technology Assistance Package (FTAP), an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology. The reduction in time enables Daliff to be price competitive in global terms.

The company specialises in the production and assembly of complex machined components. A significant portion of Daliff’s business is focused on the production of components for the global aerospace, defence and rail industries.

Daliff Precision Engineering, as a supplier to state-owned companies, was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers, and could benefit from the mechanism established for this purpose, the Technology Localisation Plan, of which the FTAP is one solution.

Says Masande Dlulisa, Project Manager for the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU), “The FTAP implemented state-of-the-art manufacturing software (simulation and optimisation) as well as necessary skills development. So successful was the intervention in reducing machining time that it created the capacity for an additional machine.” The TLIU is a Department of Science and Technology supported initiate hosted by the CSIR.

According to Daliff Precision Engineering Chairman Rowland Chutè, “The installation of the Vericut Software enables us to verify and optimise all our CNC programs prior to running the first article on a CNC machine. It is critical that we have the technology platform to compete on a level playing field against our foreign competitors. With Vericut, which we would not have been able to afford without the assistance of the TLIU, Daliff has been elevated to a globally competitive level.”

CNC refers to computer numerical control where a machine is controlled by means of codes, typically generated by an integrated computer-aided design/manufacturing system, sent from a computer.

Dlulisa concludes, “Daliff Precision Engineering is a high-quality, successful company with the vision to further expand its footprint – and thus South African expertise – globally. As with all our FTAPs, we worked closely with the company to ensure the technology intervention is in line with its business objectives and vision. In Daliff we found a company committed to building a technology base that is globally competitive while at the same time embracing transformation, being 33% black owned and BEE Level 1.

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About Daliff Precision Engineering:

Daliff specialises in the production and assembly of machined components for those industries that require complex components machined to tight tolerances in a wide range of materials including metallics, super alloys and polymers. A significant portion of Daliff’s business is focused on the production of components for the global aerospace and rail industries. As a result, Daliff has developed and implemented advanced production, quality and supply chain management systems. The core of Daliff’s business strategy is ongoing R&D and the investment in new technology and equipment, not only to increase the available machining capacity, but to ensure that the capacity is internationally competitive.

The Department of Science and Technology’s Firm Technology Assistance Package (FTAP) assisted iSolar, a solar water heater manufacturer, to develop a flat plate collector – boasting 100% local content – and have it tested for certification by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

iSolar has now added capacity to the low cost manufacturing of Solar Water Heaters in the Western Cape, with its 100lt SABS-approved solar water heater with a flat plate collector and stainless inner tank.

As a supplier to state-owned companies, iSolar was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers, and could benefit from the mechanism established for this purpose, the Technology Localisation Plan, of which the FTAP is one solution. The FTAP is implemented by the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) hosted by the CSIR.

“iSolar was established in 2006 and has primarily focused on the local manufacture of solar water heaters for the rollout programme linked to Eskom and the Department of Energy,” says Lorraine Shikwane, Project Manager at the TLIU. Shikwane says, solar water heater is one of the most effective ways of cutting a household's carbon footprint by reducing reliance on dirty fossil fuel usage. By offsetting the use of electricity, gas or heating oil, using solar water heaters also provide financial savings by reducing the rising energy costs.

“Subsequent to the FTAP intervention, the SABS’ approval of the new system secured iSolar a contract to supply 463 solar water heaters for a housing project in Langa for the City of Cape Town. Power Construction, the main contractor, appointed iSolar to manufacture, supply and install the heaters.”

Through TLIU assistance iSolar is now in the position to can also manufacture high pressure SWH’s capacity being 100lt, 150lt and 200lt.

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About iSolar:

Itakane trading 138 (Pty) Ltd trading as iSolar is a renewable energy manufacturer, distributor and installer operating at Killarney Gardens in Cape Town. iSolar is the only BBBEE implementer registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs for the supply and installation of solar water heaters. iSolar focuses primarily on the local manufacturing of low pressure solar water heating systems as well as opportunities to install these systems en masse.

Technology assistance culminates in warm reception for newly designed product

Ikhwezi Solar, manufacturer of state-of-the-art solar hot water collectors, introduced a new product in the 200 litre range specifically designed for frost-prone areas, thereby increasing its product offering and already reporting interest from especially insurance companies.

Ikhwezi Solar, as a supplier to state-owned companies, was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers. It received assistance from the Department of Science and Technology’s Firm Technology Assistance Package – one of the solutions implemented by the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) hosted by the CSIR.

Lorraine Shikwane, Project Manager at the TLIU, says, “The introduction of specialised simulation software has allowed for the design and modelling of solar hot water and solar photovoltaic system performance.

“A second FTAP intervention led to the new solar hot water system being submitted for testing by the South African Bureau of Standards. This system has passed the testing process and Ikhwezi was able to register it as an approved product with Eskom. This product was designed for frost-prone areas.”

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About Ikhwezi Solar:

Ikhwezi Solar is part of the Ikhwezi Investment Group, an organisation with a 63% black shareholding and interests in automotive component manufacturing, property, security and the renewable energy sector. Ikhwezi Solar was formed to produce a locally manufactured solar thermal collector of world class quality, offering a superior alternative to imported products, at affordable prices. The company’s solar hot water products are SABS approved and ISO 9001 certified. The solar electrical systems make use of the most advanced technology available.

Technology intervention propels Adventure Power to international heights

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), through its Firm Technology Assistance Package (FTAP), has added significant value in the areas of design, increased production, job creation and global market increase of Adventure Power, the only local manufacturer of medium sized wind turbines in South Africa.

The FTAP is one of the solutions offered by the Technology Localisation Plan of the DST, implemented by the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) hosted by the CSIR. Adventure Power, as a supplier to state-owned companies, was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers.

“The impact of this intervention on the company’s business is impressive,” comments Lorraine Shikwane, Project Manager at the TLIU. She explains how the improvements came about, “Adventure Power had to design its wind turbine in accordance with international standards to be globally competitive. The challenge for Adventure Power was the specialised software and technical assistance required in some design aspects. This is exactly where the FTAP could assist.”

Besides optimising the mechanical design of the wind turbines for future generations, and being able to bid for local and global wind energy projects subsequent to the technology intervention and certification, Adventure Power has also been able to employ 21 new people and envisages this number to grow in the coming months.

The company has scaled up its production capabilities for the 300 kW wind turbine, aiming to produce one 16 m wind turbine blade per day compared to only one blade per month.

In addition, the US military has shown interest in Adventure Power’s wind turbines for back-up power generation for its bases, and is finalising agreements for manufacturing rights. Adventure Power will also export newly designed wind turbines to the Philippines.

The company’s Lodewyk Brönn comments, “The software allows us to simulate the entire wind turbine virtually before any prototype needs to be built. This saves time, effort and costs as each component can now be designed, optimised, tested and validated – all virtually – before it is built.

“Adventure Power is very grateful for the TLIU’s assistance to boost the company into a new league, becoming globally competitive and a world-class wind turbine design company.”

Still to be tested – but potentially good news for residential, cost-effective electrical power – is Adventure Power’s first small wind turbine prototype. The 2 kW vertical axis wind turbine was designed and manufactured in-house with the new software.

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About Adventure Power:

Adventure Power, a subsidiary of the Venture Group, is situated in East London. Adventure Power develops, manufactures and commissions 300 kW wind turbines with most of the components featuring an estimated 70% local content. The company manufactures the generator, blades, tower, machinery components and power electronics locally and most of the design work is also done in South Africa. The 300 kW wind turbine offers customers a less complicated and more suitable alternative to the generally larger models currently available. This enhances the participation of medium-sized industry looking to become more self-regulating in its energy consumption to participate in this market.

Fabrinox, a Western Cape metal manufacturing company, has reported increases in areas such as job creation, production efficiency, Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), skills development as well as financial turnover – 20% higher than anticipated – subsequent to the successful implementation of a Firm Technology Assistance Package (FTAP).

The FTAP is one of the solutions offered by the Technology Localisation Plan of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Fabrinox, as a supplier to state-owned companies, was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers, and could benefit from the mechanism established for this purpose, the Technology Localisation Plan.

He continues, “To enhance its international credibility, Fabrinox focused on increasing its competitiveness through continuous improvement of its operational systems and investment in technology and quality outputs. We started off with identifying a suitable skills development programme linked to a new machine purchased by Fabrinox. The intervention involved the development high-end technical skills in Germany, to enhance the capability of the local workforce. Fabrinox also required an upgrade of their enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to offer customers real time feedback.”

Key employees received advanced programming and machine operator training at Trumpf Germany, enabling Fabrinox to improve operator capability, which resulted in improved confidence and motivation levels as well as improved operating efficiency of machinery.

Fabrinox has also reported a significant increase in the number of permanent job opportunities (120% more than originally planned).

Andre Visser, Managing Director of Fabrinox, comments, “The most important component of the programme is that we were able to employ people best suited to the job and with the correct BEE profile. Our Black employees as a percentage of total staff complement increased from 57% to 65%. The female component improved by more than 150%. The programme also assisted us in unlocking potential by leveraging our existing Black employees to higher levels. This will result in a totally different BEE profile for Fabrinox.”

An upgraded ERP system and increased confidence and skill levels also resulted in an increase in turnover of almost R10 million. “Improvements in efficiency contribute substantially to the improved bottom line. We fully expect these gains to increase significantly with the roll-out of the ERP system resulting in double digit growth for the next financial year,” Visser concludes.

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About Fabrinox:

Fabrinox is a South African company with experience in manufacturing solutions offered on 6 continents, striving to provide the most accurate and prompt services to our esteemed worldwide clientele. Owing to our superior work standards, ethics and dedicated efforts, we have been able to set higher benchmarks in this domain. We are engaged in offering services of sheet metal and tube fabrication solutions, which includes custom tailored project management, global installation, procurement, technical advice along with manufacturing design and documentation, within an ISO 9001 & ISO 3834 environment.

Our reputation for quality and expert work is built upon the experience, and skills of our team and has earned us the Approved Supplier Status with customers such as Areva NP, General Electric, ABB, DeLaval, Orica, Ultra Spin & SAB. Our adoption of the latest manufacturing techniques and service solutions has enabled Fabrinox to tailor each customer's precise and specific fabrication needs.

SWASAP, the only African railway axle manufacturer, was able to qualify its manufacturing technology to an EN13261 certification, hence increasing its global footprint to be able to supply any European railway operator, as well as securing significant orders from top European passenger rail coach manufacturers.

This was enabled by a Firm Technology Assistance Package (FTAP) from the Department of Science and Technology (DST). SWASAP has traditionally supplied Transnet with all of its axles. As a valued supplier to this state-owned company, SWASAP was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers, and could benefit from the mechanism established for this purpose, the Technology Localisation Plan, of which the FTAP is one solution.

Lorraine Shikwane, Project Manager at the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) – an initiative of the DST hosted by the CSIR, says, “Since the company received the EN13261 certification, it has secured orders from top overseas rolling stock manufacturers for new passenger rail vehicles to operate in Australia, the USA, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. These are worth close to 100 jobs plus millions of dollars to South Africa in valuable foreign exchange each year.”

The certification is part of European standards (‘Euro Norms’) governing the design of railway axles and wheel sets.

SWASAP is currently negotiating new contracts with international customers as well as the supply of axles for the new trains for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa.

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About SWASAP:

SWASAP is one of about 20 dedicated axle forges in the world and the only one in Africa. The company has over 60 years of manufacturing experience and conforms to every recognised international quality standard. SWASAP is a member of The Baughan Group, a progressive global engineering business. The Baughan Group has a commanding presence in the US and South Africa and supplies a diversified international market. SWASAP is acknowledged as a market leader in axle technology and manufacturing worldwide. Over $10 million of investment in new machinery and equipment since 2007 has resulted in SWASAP's factory becoming one of the most well equipped axle producers in the world. A modern metallographic and metrology facility and a wide range of destructive and non-destructive automated test machines complement the extensive range of manufacturing machines SWASAP has available to meet peak production levels of 4 000 axles per month.

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution implemented by the TLIU has also dramatically improved Calculus’ lead time and operational efficiency.

Calculus Products is a turnkey sheet metal fabricator with the capability to manufacture components to very high accuracies. As a supplier to SOCs, the company was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers, and could benefit from the mechanism established for this purpose, the Technology Localisation Plan, of which the TAP is one solution.

“After getting a clear understanding of Calculus’ needs, we approached the Institute for Advanced Tooling (IAT) at Stellenbosch University for its technical expertise in designing the service vehicle toolbox,” explains Masande Dlulisa, Project Manager at the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU), a Department of Science and Technology supported initiative hosted by the CSIR.

He continues, “There is no such product available in South Africa currently. The toolbox has retained full functionality and is manufactured faster and at a reduced cost. Eskom is in consultation with Calculus to test the toolbox as a first step towards a possible deployment of the product nationally.”

This technology intervention has led to increased market share and associated job opportunities for Calculus Products as well as enhanced manufacturing skills. Depending on orders generated from the project, Calculus Products’ staff complement could increase by as many as 30.

The ERP system, according to Calculus General Manager Max Dietstein, “eliminates a number of manual operations. Our customers will benefit from on-time delivery in a much shorter lead time. Planning is also improved and we are now able to track actual costs of jobs, which leads to increased skills levels and a further reduced cost to customers.”

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About Calculus Products:

Calculus Products is a turnkey sheet metal fabricator with the capability to manufacture components to very high accuracies. The company produces a range of applications for banks and service stations, inside distillation equipment on earthmoving equipment, battleship substructures and equipment used in research stations in Antarctica. Offerings include service vehicle toolboxes; vehicle canopies; point-of-sale stands; doors; assemblies of a repetitive nature comprising vehicle components combined with electronic components or hydraulic systems; signage for Sasol; and agricultural equipment. Calculus operates from premises in Wellington.

GB Bearings (Pty) Ltd, manufacturer, distributor and refurbisher of industrial and white metal bearings for the South African and export markets, launched a new range of industrial bearings and further expanded its business by adding a new test rig – the only of its kind in South Africa.

These successes were made possible through the implementation of a Firm Technology Assistance Package (FTAP), one of the solutions offered by the Technology Localisation Plan of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). GB Bearings, as a supplier to state-owned companies, was selected to form part of government’s drive to improve the competitiveness of local original equipment manufacturers.

The DST recognises that upgraded technologies and support are key requirements for competitiveness. Increasing the local industrial activity requires bold intervention to raise the capability and status of local manufacturing companies to that of competitive global players.

Masande Dlulisa, Project Manager at the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU), says, “In the gap analyses conducted as part of the FTAP, GB Bearings required a new test rig to expand its capability for manufacturing and testing a range of characteristics of bearings. The TLIU is a Department of Science and Technology supported initiative hosted by the CSIR.

“We opted to work with the Durban University of Technology, for reasons of expertise and proximity, to design the new rig. Subsequently, we identified suitable companies to manufacture the test rig. We also had to find a suitable software supplier as the requirements highlighted the need for a particular software to measure the range of bearings and technology specifications. A compatible product was found in a UK company.” The test rig is fitted with the latest instrumentation capable of collecting various data and distributing to all users during testing.

It took Dlulisa and his team only eight months to get the right partners on board, design, manufacture and implement the test rig. The latter is already in operation and is the only of its kind in the country, offering GB Bearings the competitive advantage it sought.

“That is the purpose of the TLIU: to ensure that those companies we assist acquire a competitive advantage,” Dlulisa comments. “The TLIU has assisted more than 150 companies since its inception in 2013. A big contributor to the success of GB Bearings’ implementation was the commitment from its leadership and staff. They were with us all the way and took the programme to heart. It is such a pleasure to see the satisfaction of the people involved at the successful conclusion of a project.”

The partnership between the TLIU and its clients does not end after a successful implementation. Regular monitoring and evaluation is part and parcel of the journey and once all the DST’s TAP companies have had a key recommendation towards competitiveness implemented, Dlulisa foresees that the TLIU will start implementing further recommendations.

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan. Services provided by the TLIU include:

• Benchmarking and technology capability evaluation services;

• Technology capability platforms, or shared technology facilities;

• Access to technical expertise;

• High-end technical skills development programmes;

• Design and tooling support; and

• Technology transfer benefits/Offset programmes.

About GB Bearings:

GB Bearings (Pty) Ltd has been in operation in South Africa since 1962, having a network of facilities situated in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. GB Bearings primarily manufactures and repairs white metal bearings for both local and international markets. In addition, it distributes and supplies a comprehensive range of specialised plain bearings and materials to these industries. GB Bearings is B-BBEE accredited (rated at level 4) and has formal BEE accreditation with Eskom, Spoornet and the SAMPPF (South African Mining Preferential Procurement Forum). GB Bearings is an ISO 9001-2008 accredited Company.

Since the inception of the project, along with the test rig, GB Bearings fully developed a new product range named HSS Horizontal Bearing Assembly. As well as key local OEMs GB Bearings has penetrated into the Brazilian, French and UK markets, and is currently negotiating with a company in Italy. This beginning, we believe, will result in more market penetration with this product.

In addition, this will enhance our product range thus enabling greater opportunity in the world markets.

Simulation software improves and confirms casting processes and tools, thereby providing the South African foundry sector with advanced technology to equip it in its role to provide vital inputs to the South African manufacturing industry. This was the message conveyed by the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, when she launched the Casting Simulation Network (CSN) at the Vaal University of Technology in Sebokeng on 2 July 2015.

The Minister pointed out that the launch of the CSN was a fitting time to celebrate the outcome of a number of strategically planned activities to advance South Africa's foundry sector.

"In 2011 the Department of Science and Technology supported a programme to assist the foundry sector with Technology Assistance Packages. Our manufacturing industry needs our foundries, and therefore there is a need for these focused interventions," she said.

Through a process of benchmarking and technology capability evaluations, as well as the use of international and local subject matter experts, a variety of gaps were identified that contributed to the low level of competitiveness of the South African foundry sector. One of the major technological gaps identified was the lack of simulation software.

A pilot programme was used to determine the benefits of using simulation techniques within the foundry sector, which were substantial. Through a process of industry engagements, the Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU), hosted by the CSIR on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), identified the need for a national casting simulation network and funded it through a Sector-Wide Technology Assistance Package. This provides foundries, including SMMEs, with access to simulation software and skills.

The Minister said the initiative would enhance South African companies' capabilities to access contracts, create more jobs and contribute to economic growth and knowledge-based activities, which are critical imperatives for the country.

Over the past four years, the Technology Localisation Programme has assisted over 140 manufacturing companies. As a result of the support provided, companies were able to create 136 new jobs and secure new contracts from state-owned enterprises, with a further 10 companies retaining existing contracts.

Minister Pandor added that the Department would invest R320 million over the next three years to provide technology support to companies through benchmarking and customised Technology Assistance Packages.

In partnership with the Faculty of Foundry Engineering at AGH University of Science and Technology in Germany and the Laboratory for Aerospace Materials at Rzeszow University of Technology in Poland, five postgraduate students received scholarships and completed master's degrees in Metallurgical or Materials Science at these overseas institutions. These graduates now work at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg, and their expertise is at the disposal of the South African foundry industry and the CSN.

Prof. Irene N Moutlana, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Vaal University of Technology, said, "The main CSN site is at the Vaal University of Technology's Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park. We are pleased to host this hub, which connects the satellite sites within the technology stations at the Durban University of Technology, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Stellenbosch University and the University of Johannesburg."

Mr Beeuwen Gerryts, Chief Director: Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Localisation of the DST, said, "Since the establishment of these centres, the advantages of the CSN are being realised by a variety of industry partners. The partnership with the National Foundry Technology Network, an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry, is invaluable. The Network facilitates the development of a globally competitive South African foundry industry through appropriate skills training, technology transfer and diffusion of state-of-the-art technologies. The unique services of the CSN complement these well-established activities."

Mr Ashley Bhugwandin, the Manager of the TLIU, said, "Through the TLIU, the DST offers the Science, Engineering and Technology Industry Internship Programme for students from universities of technology. We place them in suitable companies for experiential training and to complete a year of practical training in order to obtain their national diplomas. Five of these students work at CSN stations around the country and interact with representatives of the foundry industry to reap the benefits of this network."

Modern Russian Technologies for Thermal Power Engineering in Africa

On July 16, 2015 within the framework of the world renowned POWER-GEN Africa conference, State Nuclear Energy Corporation ‘Rosatom’ will be hosting a workshop entitled ‘Modern Russian Technologies for Thermal Power Engineering in Africa.’ The workshop will cover the prospects of cooperation in the sphere of energy development in South Africa and highlight the benefits of Russian power engineering technologies.

The workshop will be attended by representatives from various organizations which are implementing state policy in the field of thermal power, as well as by leading international companies.

High level speakers from a number of Russian organizations will be representing the State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom, including speakers from: NIAEP-Atomstroyexport, ZiO-Podolsk, AEM-Technology and others. The speakers will deliver insightful presentations on modern equipment solutions and new developments that pertain to the South African energy sector. The development of cooperation in the sphere of energy between South Africa and Rosatom will also be discussed.

On behalf of Rosatom, it is our privilege to invite you and your colleagues to take part in this exciting workshop, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa, in the Roof Terrace Room on the 2nd floor.

The Rhythm Forum (coordinated by the TLIU) is a platform for public-private dialogue. The meetings are attended by government, state owned companies (SOCs) and industry associations to complement the localisation process linked to the supplier development and localisation (SD&L) plans of mainly the SOCs. It aims at linking key buyers, relevant suppliers and technology developers to help facilitate local production and procurement.

This platform is the outcome of the growing commitment of its members, to ensure that opportunities for localisation put forward by SOCs, are maximised for local industry. Attendance by senior representatives from industry associations and government has remained consistently high, at approximately 50 for the past two meetings, which can be seen as a significant measure of this commitment.

Some advances in the way in which the Rhythm forum operates, have been achieved, i.e. the institution of working groups, the so-called functional arm of the Rhythm forum. Working groups meet to discuss and unpack opportunities that are tabled, and then allocate them to various clusters and supplier levels. The clear allocation of tasks and action plans guide these working groups.

Henning Viljoen of the TLIU comments, “Rich information of this nature can be used in discussions with SOCs and their tender partners to promote the process by which local suppliers can be added to the relevant supplier databases.”

Another development has been the decision by the Strategic Infrastructure Programme (SIP) team from Eskom, responsible for SIP 1, 9 and 10, to use the Rhythm forum as a delivery agent. To this end, high-level opportunities (business cases) were presented by the SIP Team of Eskom at the recent Rhythm forum held on 1 October 2014 at the CSIR International Convention Centre. These covered steel pipes, thermoplastic paint, road signs lettering, cooling fans, heat exchangers, pumps and domestic pre-paid meters.

A further development is the active participation of the Department of Trade and Industry’s South African Bureau of Standards, in the verification of designation and local content, through the development of the SATS 1286 of 2011. Its role as a local verification agency for local content targets and thresholds, bodes well for the realisation of localisation in South Africa.

Finally, the critical mass and influence wielded by the Rhythm Forum, and the recognition it enjoys from industry, allows it to elevate local procurement concerns that should be addressed. It has attained the status of a powerful but neutral lobby for the local supplier base.

“The activities of the Rhythm forum are critical for our engagement with industry and state owned enterprises,” confirms Ashley Bhugwandin, manager of the TLIU. “In this way we help to ensure that opportunity alerts are transformed into industry opportunities and activities to drive the competence and competitiveness of our local suppliers.”

The October Rhythm meeting took place on 1 October 2014. It was hosted by the TLIU at the CSIR International Convention Centre and attended by over 50 representatives of industry associations, government dpartments and state owned companies.

The Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is hosted and incubated at the CSIR. The TLIU was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan (TLP).